Gameday Preview: Stars at Oklahoma City Barons

Texas Stars 1-1-0-0, 2 pts #6 Western Conference

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Oklahoma City Barons 1-1-0-0, 2 pts #9 Western Conference

October 15th at 7:00 PM

Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Both the Texas Stars and Oklahoma City Barons traveled overnight last night to arrive in OKC for tonight's contest at the Cox Convention Center. Texas fell to the Houston Aeros while Oklahoma City collected their season's first win against fellow West Division rival San Antonio 3-2. Both Texas and OKC are now 1-1 on the young season.

After blanking the Barons last weekend, Texas had a five spot dropped on them by the unbeaten Aeros last night. The Barons scored their first three goals of the season off the sticks of Ryan O'Marra, Josh Green and Colton Teubert. Mark Arcobello had two assists, including one on the game winner. David LeNeveu got the start and stopped 32 of 34 shots against.

It is almost a good thing for the Stars that OKC won last night. With at least one win under their belt, the Barons are less likely to be fixated on the 7-0 shellacking they received in Cedar Park last week, but only slightly. The Stars will do well to make sure they don't get lured into post-whistle extracurriculars or bad penalties by the Barons. "On the road, you've got to play smart," said Coach Pyle after last night's game. "You've got to stay out of the box and take advantage of your opportunities."

Coach Pyle also pointed out something that could become an unfortunate storyline for Texas if the team doesn't jump on it early. Of the Stars' nine goals on the season, six have come on the power play. It's early, but does Texas have a solid gameplan 5-on-5? "We've got to play a little better 5-on-5 and create a little bit more offense from that," said Pyle.

Coach Pyle also indicated that Philip Larsen should be inserted into the lineup tonight. Chances are that Jace Coyle will be taken out of the lineup for Larsen.

Stars injury/call up report:
None.

Website: okcbarons.com
Blog (unofficial): NewsOK's Barons Hockey
Blog (unofficial): Oil Field Hockey
Twitter: @OKCBaronsHockey